Battle of Edgehill

The Battle of Edgehill (23 October 1642) was a pitched battle of the First English Civil War that was fought between the Royalist army of King Charles I of England and the Parliamentarian army of the Earl of Essex at Edge Hill, Warwickshire. Led by the King's nephew, Prince Rupert of the Rhine, the Cavaliers charged with scorching pace and force, scattering the Parliamentarian horses before them. Some infnatrymen fled, but the core was disciplined, and apparently forgotten by Charles' Royalists, who seemed to think the battle already won. The Royalists threw away their advantage, chasing plunder while the Parliamentarian infantry pushed forth, their cavalry regrouping. Neither could win a convincing victory. After the battle, King Charles resumed his march on London, but was not strong enough to overcome the Parliamentarian militia before Essex's army could reinforce them. The draw at Edgehill ensured that the war would drag on for four more years.